4 August 2025
Westports (WPRTS MK)
Performance Remains On Track
- Keep NEUTRAL, with new MYR5.14 TP (DCF) from MYR4.90, 8% downside. Westports’ 1H25 results and container throughput largely met our and consensus expectations. Management guides low-to-mid single-digit growth for containers in FY25, as congestion at ports sees a gradual improvement. Although the stock is trading at 18.6x FY26F P/E, +2SD from its historical mean – we view the risk-reward ratio is balanced with the high concentration of intra-Asia volume (which could mitigate the impact from US transhipment tariffs). This report marks the coverage transfer to Malaysia Research.
- Meeting expectations. Westports posted a 1H25 core profit of MYR454m (+11.3% YoY), at 47% and 48% of our and Street’s FY25 projections – broadly meeting our expectations. Segmentally, container revenue rose 5.5% YoY to MYR1bn, driven by a 3.1% YoY increase in container volumes and higher VAS contribution, particularly due to higher storage income for metal commodities. Consequently, revenue/TEU improved 2.4% YoY to MYR180 while conventional revenue saw a 1% YoY increase.
- Throughput analysis. Westports managed a total of 5.57m TEUs (+3.1% YoY) in 1H25, mainly due to 6% YoY higher transhipment volumes offset by lower gateway containers (-0.4% YoY). As a result, transhipment and gateway constituted c.57% and c.43% of total volumes. The decline in gateway volumes was mainly due to stricter inspections by the authorities on metal imports. 1H25 container volumes were within our expectation (50.5% of our full-year assumption). Geographically, intra-Asia trade remains the biggest contributor (c.61% of total container volumes) despite a 4.5% YoY drop.
- Trade tension escalating by transhipment tariffs. US President Donald Trump’s 40% tariff on transhipments, effective 7 Aug 2025, targets China’s indirect exports via countries like Vietnam. While a temporary 30% tariff on China holds until 12 August – pending negotiations – the new rules signal a tougher stance. YTD, the impact of US reciprocal tariffs on Westports has been minimal, with container volumes sustaining single digit growth. Management maintains its conservative outlook of low-to-mid single digit container growth for FY25.
- Valuation. We make no change to our earnings and container growth forecasts for FY26-27. Our TP is now MYR5.14, with a 2% ESG premium imputed, based on its ESG score of 3.1. The revision of our TP is mainly due to a DCF upkeep adjustment. We keep our NEUTRAL call as Westports is trading at an implied 18.6x FY25F P/E, above +2SD of its historical P/E, but we view the risk-reward ratio is balanced with the high concentration of intra-Asia volume. Downside risks: Lower-than-expected TEU volume and higher-than-expected operating costs. The opposites represent the upside risks.
Target Price (Return): MYR5.14 (-8.1%)
Price (Market Cap): MYR5.59 (USD4,456m)
ESG score: 3.1 (out of 4)
Avg Daily Turnover (MYR/USD): 22.2m/5.23m
Analyst
Malaysia Research
+603 2302 8100
research.my.equity@rhbgroup.com
Share Performance (%)
YTD | 1m | 3m | 6m | 12m | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Absolute | 20.0 | 3.5 | 31.5 | 22.1 | 24.5 |
Relative | 26.6 | 4.0 | 32.0 | 23.6 | 30.1 |
52-wk Price low/high (MYR): 4.08 – 5.80 |
Source: Bloomberg
Forecasts and Valuation
Dec-23 | Dec-24 | Dec-25F | Dec-26F | Dec-27F | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total turnover (MYRm) | 2,152 | 2,344 | 2,436 | 2,729 | 2,910 |
Recurring net profit (MYRm) | 779 | 902 | 958 | 1,026 | 1,102 |
Recurring net profit growth (%) | 11.3 | 15.8 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.4 |
Recurring P/E (x) | 24.47 | 21.14 | 19.90 | 18.59 | 17.30 |
P/B (x) | 5.4 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
P/CF (x) | 19.16 | 14.76 | 15.66 | 14.90 | 13.95 |
Dividend Yield (%) | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
EV/EBITDA (x) | 16.02 | 13.34 | 12.23 | 11.56 | 10.85 |
Return on average equity (%) | 20.0 | 24.5 | 23.7 | 23.7 | 24.5 |
Net debt to equity (%) | 7.7 | 7.8 | 0.6 | net cash | net cash |
Source: Company data, RHB
Overall ESG Score: 3.1 (out of 4)
E Score: 3.2 (EXCELLENT) | S Score: 3.0 (GOOD) | G Score: 3.0 (GOOD)
Please refer to the ESG analysis on the next page
Emissions And ESG
Trend analysis: In 2024, total GHG emissions decreased by 1% to 273k tonnes of CO2 equivalents, from 276k tonnes of CO2 equivalents.
Emissions (tCO2e) | Dec-22 | Dec-23 | Dec-24 | Dec-25 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scope 1 | 131,919 | 132,986 | 134,181 | na |
Scope 2 | 48,363 | 43,207 | 43,460 | na |
Scope 3 | 108,720 | 99,464 | 95,467 | na |
Total emissions | 289,002 | 275,657 | 273,108 | na |
Source: Company data, RHB
Latest ESG-Related Developments
Westports expressed its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and has begun testing electric terminal trucks since 2023.
ESG Unbundled
Overall ESG Score: 3.1 (out of 4)
Last Updated: 4 Aug 2025
E Score: 3.2 (EXCELLENT)
Westports continues to organise environmental initiatives such as mangrove planting and recycling programmes. In terms of electricity consumption, Westports consumed 60m kWh of electricity in 2024, representing a 7% increase YoY. Its total GHG emissions for 2024 have reduced by 1% despite higher operating activities.
S Score: 3.0 (GOOD)
The company regularly organises and supports various community-based programmes and initiatives. It works closely with volunteers, the local community, community partners, and government agencies to improve neighbourhoods and lives. These include gotong-royong, dengue prevention programme and basic first aid classes.
G Score: 3.0 (GOOD)
The Board has a presence of nine non-executive directors, whereby six of its members are independent directors. 45% are female, which is above the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance requirement of 30%. Westports provides full disclosure on its directors’ remunerations, including salaries and bonuses. It holds regular investor briefings, embodying good transparency and disclosure practices.
ESG Rating History
Source: RHB
Financial Exhibits
Key drivers
TEU volume and container operating costs
Key risks
Lower-than-expected TEU volume and higher-than-expected operating costs. The converse represents upside risks.
Company Profile
Westports is a leading port operator in Port Klang with c.75% of the market share. The company has nine container terminals with a capacity of 14m TEUs annually.
Asia
Malaysia
Transport
Westports
WPRTS MK
Neutral
Valuation basis
DCF
Dec-23 | Dec-24 | Dec-25F | Dec-26F | Dec-27F | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recurring EPS | 0.23 | 0.26 | 0.28 | 0.30 | 0.32 |
DPS | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.21 | 0.23 | 0.24 |
BVPS | 1.03 | 1.12 | 1.25 | 1.29 | 1.35 |
Return on average equity (%) | 20.0 | 24.5 | 23.7 | 23.7 | 24.5 |
Dec-23 | Dec-24 | Dec-25F | Dec-26F | Dec-27F | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recurring P/E (x) | 24.47 | 21.14 | 19.90 | 18.59 | 17.30 |
P/B (x) | 5.4 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
FCF Yield (%) | 4.7 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.3 |
Dividend Yield (%) | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
EV/EBITDA (x) | 16.02 | 13.34 | 12.23 | 11.56 | 10.85 |
EV/EBIT (x) | 20.40 | 16.18 | 14.67 | 13.79 | 12.86 |
Dec-23 | Dec-24 | Dec-25F | Dec-26F | Dec-27F | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total turnover | 2,152 | 2,344 | 2,436 | 2,729 | 2,910 |
Gross profit | 1,146 | 1,446 | 1,529 | 1,762 | 1,862 |
EBITDA | 1,207 | 1,452 | 1,561 | 1,645 | 1,744 |
Depreciation and amortisation | (259) | (255) | (260) | (267) | (273) |
Operating profit | 948 | 1,197 | 1,301 | 1,378 | 1,471 |
Net interest | (42) | (56) | (88) | (80) | (77) |
Pre-tax profit | 906 | 1,141 | 1,212 | 1,298 | 1,394 |
Taxation | (227) | (241) | (255) | (273) | (293) |
Reported net profit | 679 | 900 | 958 | 1,026 | 1,102 |
Recurring net profit | 779 | 902 | 958 | 1,026 | 1,102 |
Dec-23 | Dec-24 | Dec-25F | Dec-26F | Dec-27F | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total cash and equivalents | 578 | 781 | 779 | 762 | 741 |
Tangible fixed assets | 1,739 | 1,687 | 1,627 | 1,587 | 1,572 |
Total assets | 5,339 | 7,778 | 7,862 | 7,845 | 7,834 |
Short-term debt | 125 | 175 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
Total long-term debt | 725 | 905 | 629 | 529 | 429 |
Total liabilities | 1,819 | 3,960 | 3,605 | 3,431 | 3,243 |
Total equity | 3,520 | 3,818 | 4,256 | 4,414 | 4,591 |
Total liabilities & equity | 5,339 | 7,778 | 7,862 | 7,845 | 7,834 |
Dec-23 | Dec-24 | Dec-25F | Dec-26F | Dec-27F | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue growth (%) | 4.0 | 8.9 | 3.9 | 12.1 | 6.6 |
Recurrent EPS growth (%) | 11.3 | 15.8 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.4 |
Gross margin (%) | 53.3 | 61.7 | 62.8 | 64.6 | 64.0 |
Operating EBITDA margin (%) | 56.1 | 61.9 | 64.1 | 60.3 | 59.9 |
Net profit margin (%) | 31.6 | 38.4 | 39.3 | 37.6 | 37.9 |
Dividend payout ratio (%) | 78.6 | 66.7 | 75.0 | 75.0 | 75.0 |
Capex/sales (%) | 5.0 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.9 |
Interest cover (x) | 18.0 | 16.3 | 12.5 | 14.4 | 16.8 |
Source: Company data, RHB
Figure 1: 2Q25 financial results
FYE Dec (MYRm) | 2Q24 | 1Q25 | 2Q25 | QoQ (%) | YoY (%) | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operational revenue | 554 | 591 | 608 | 2.9 | 9.7 | |
– Container | 482 | 493 | 511 | 3.7 | 6.0 | Higher YoY due to higher VAS contribution, mainly from metal commodities |
– Conventional | 37 | 37 | 36 | (2.7) | (2.7) | Down 3% YoY despite throughput easing by 6% due to the growth of dry bulk and commodities, ie wheat and soy bean |
– Marine | 21 | 23 | 22 | (4.3) | 4.8 | More tugboats were deployed YoY to ensure the safe berthing/unberthing of vessels |
– Rental | 14 | 38 | 39 | 2.6 | 178.6 | Notable increase YoY reflecting the full 6-month impact of the higher sublease renewal rates and the effect of the MFRS 16 adjustment |
Operational costs | (216) | (210) | (212) | 1.0 | (1.9) | |
– Manpower | (72) | (78) | (78) | 0.0 | 8.3 | |
– Depreciation | (51) | (47) | (48) | 2.1 | (5.9) | |
– Fuel | (41) | (36) | (35) | (2.8) | (14.6) | |
– M&R | (22) | (22) | (23) | 4.5 | 4.5 | |
– Electricity | (15) | (13) | (14) | 7.7 | (6.7) | |
– Others | (15) | (14) | (14) | 0.0 | (6.7) | |
EBITDA | 342 | 384 | 392 | 2.1 | 14.5 | |
EBITDA margin (%) | 61.8 | 64.9 | 64.5 | |||
Depreciation & amortisation | (68) | (69) | (70) | 1.8 | 3.5 | |
EBIT | 275 | 315 | 322 | 2.2 | 17.2 | |
EBIT margin (%) | 49.6 | 53.3 | 53.0 | |||
Finance income | 3 | 6 | 5 | (15.9) | 70.4 | |
Finance costs | (12) | (29) | (28) | (3.4) | 127.3 | |
Exceptional Items | 0 | 0 | 0 | nm | nm | |
PBT | 266 | 292 | 301 | 2.9 | 13.2 | |
PBT margin (%) | 48.0 | 49.5 | 49.5 | |||
Tax | (62) | (70) | (69) | (1.4) | 11.0 | |
Effective tax rate (%) | (23.4) | (23.9) | (22.9) | |||
Net profit | 204 | 222 | 232 | 4.3 | 13.9 | |
Net profit margin (%) | 36.8 | 37.6 | 38.2 | |||
Core net profit | 204 | 222 | 232 | 4.3 | 13.9 | Broadly in line with ours and consensus’ expectations |
Core net profit margin (%) | 36.8 | 37.6 | 38.2 |
Source: Company data, RHB
Figure 2: Operational metrics
Container (m TEU) | 2Q24 | 1Q25 | 2Q25 | QoQ (%) | YoY (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transhipment | 1.53 | 1.51 | 1.68 | 11.3 | 9.8 |
Gateway | 1.19 | 1.18 | 1.20 | 1.7 | 0.8 |
Total | 2.72 | 2.69 | 2.88 | 7.1 | 5.9 |
2Q24 | 1Q25 | 2Q25 | QoQ (%) | YoY (%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intra-Asia | 1.77 | 1.69 | 1.73 | 2.4 | (2.3) |
Asia-Europe | 0.38 | 0.41 | 0.50 | 22.0 | 31.6 |
Asia-Australasia | 0.26 | 0.20 | 0.22 | 10.0 | (15.4) |
Asia-America | 0.18 | 0.27 | 0.30 | 11.1 | 66.7 |
Asia-Africa | 0.09 | 0.06 | 0.05 | (16.7) | (44.4) |
Others | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.08 | 33.3 | 60.0 |
Total | 2.73 | 2.69 | 2.88 | 7.1 | 5.5 |
Conventional (m MT) | 2Q24 | 1Q25 | 2Q25 | QoQ (%) | YoY (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.92 | 2.95 | 2.75 | (6.8) | (5.8) |
Source: Company data, RHB
Figure 3: 1H25 segmental breakdown (%) of operational revenue and costs
Operational Revenue
- Container: 84%
- Rental: 6%
- Conventional: 6%
- Marine: 4%
Operational Costs
- Manpower: 37%
- Depreciation: 22%
- Fuel: 17%
- M&R: 11%
- Electricity: 6%
- Others: 7%
Source: Company data, RHB
Figure 4: 1H25 breakdown of containers by type (%)
- Transhipment: 57%
- Gateway: 43%
Source: Company data, RHB
Figure 5: 1H25 containers breakdown by area (%)
- Intra-Asia: 61%
- Asia-Europe: 16%
- Asia-America: 10%
- Asia-Australasia: 8%
- Asia-Africa: 3%
- Others: 2%
Source: Company data, RHB
Figure 6: DCF valuation
FYE Dec (MYRm) | FY25F | FY26F | FY27F | FY28F | FY29F | FY30F | FY31F | FY32F | FY33F | FY34F | Terminal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CFO | 1,217 | 1,279 | 1,367 | 1,270 | 1,310 | 1,346 | 1,382 | 1,420 | 1,455 | 1,487 | |
+ Interest (1 – tax rate) | 67 | 61 | 58 | 52 | 44 | 39 | 32 | 24 | 15 | 6 | |
– capital expenditure | (243) | (271) | (304) | (342) | (388) | (441) | (505) | (581) | (672) | (779) | |
Free cash flow to firm (FCFF) | 1,041 | 1,069 | 1,121 | 979 | 967 | 944 | 909 | 863 | 798 | 714 | 17,883 |
Discount factor | 0.98 | 0.92 | 0.87 | 0.82 | 0.78 | 0.73 | 0.69 | 0.65 | 0.62 | 0.58 | 0.55 |
PV of FCFF | 1,017 | 986 | 977 | 806 | 751 | 693 | 630 | 565 | 494 | 417 | 9,864 |
Risk-free: 3.9%
Beta: 0.70
Cost of equity: 7.3%
WACC: 5.6%
Terminal growth: 1.5%
Enterprise value (MYRm): 17,198
Cash: 779
– Debt: (804)
Equity value (MYRm): 17,173
No of shares (m): 3,410
Gross fair value (MYR): 5.04
Add: ESG premium: 2%
Target Price (MYR): 5.14
Source: RHB
Recommendation Chart
Source: RHB, Bloomberg
Date | Recommendation | Target Price | Price |
---|---|---|---|
2025-06-16 | Neutral | 4.90 | 5.03 |
2025-05-12 | Neutral | 4.35 | 4.43 |
2025-01-23 | Neutral | 4.70 | 4.47 |
2024-11-11 | Neutral | 4.56 | 4.38 |
2024-07-29 | Neutral | 4.52 | 4.54 |
2024-05-03 | Buy | 4.52 | 3.98 |
2024-04-09 | Buy | 4.52 | 3.86 |
2024-02-05 | Neutral | 4.12 | 3.89 |
2023-11-10 | Neutral | 3.60 | 3.46 |
2023-10-31 | Neutral | 3.74 | 3.36 |
2023-07-28 | Neutral | 3.65 | 3.51 |
2023-05-08 | Neutral | 3.65 | 3.60 |
2023-01-25 | Neutral | 3.78 | 3.80 |
2022-11-07 | Neutral | 3.56 | 3.30 |
2022-07-29 | Neutral | 3.80 | 3.50 |
Source: RHB, Bloomberg
RHB Guide to Investment Ratings
Buy: Share price may exceed 10% over the next 12 months
Trading Buy: Share price may exceed 15% over the next 3 months, however longer-term outlook remains uncertain
Neutral: Share price may fall within the range of +/- 10% over the next 12 months
Take Profit: Target price has been attained. Look to accumulate at lower levels
Sell: Share price may fall by more than 10% over the next 12 months
Not Rated: Stock is not within regular research coverage
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